Occy To Join Hibs? *UPDATED

Rumours have started today that SPL side Hibernian are set to make a £250,000 move for O`Connor come the end of the season.

O`Connor is bound to become the subject of more transfer speculation following his failure to kiss and make up with Crewe gaffer Gudjon Thordarson since his return from a successful loan stint at Lincoln in League 2.

Lincoln have also been linked with a permanent move for the 21 year old since his loan spell, along with want away striker Anthony Elding.

Gerry Carlile, Occy’s agent told the Daily Express newspaper: “I will not name specific teams but I can say there are a number of clubs in England and Scotland who are very keen on Michael.

“It`s hardly a surprise as he is a top player, but for one reason or another the manager at Crewe doesn`t seem to see eye-to-eye with him.

“Michael is going into the final year of his contract and the indications are that Crewe would want to sell him in the summer rather than go to a tribunal at the end of his contract.”

It looks almost certain O’Connor will move on in the summer after suggesting a few weeks ago he would never play for manager Gudjon Thordarson after he felt he had been victimised.

Whether Edinburgh will be the top of O’Connor’s destinations is yet to be seen, with many clubs likely to be interested. I would imagine Crewe would accept the touted £250,000 though for a player who seems to be be more trouble than he’s worth at Crewe.


* 24/04/2009

It has been revealed in the Scottish press today that O’Connor has been training with Hibs this week but has now returned back to Crewe.

Hib’s boss Mixu Paatelainen must now decide whether he likes what he has seen and put together a suitable offer to the player and to Crewe.

Allowing Occy to train with the SPL team is a clear indication that he is no longer wanted at Crewe and will be allowed to leave, despite no official word as of yet.

On the situation Paatelainen didin’t reveal to much, telling sport.scotsman.com: “He’s been with us but that’s a weekly thing as we keep looking and he’s just one of several we’ve seen.

“We’ll make a decision when it’s the right time to do so.”

It looks like we can safely say we won’t be seeing O’Connor back in a Crewe shirt again, not while Gudjon Thordarson is in charge anyhow.